Pentameters Theatre, HampsteadBERENICE "A
satisfyingly elegant translation of this moving and insightfulplay by one of the greatest of French playwrights,
this is among the most accomplished performances I've seen at this
long-running pub theatre... Beatrice Allen as the Queen makes a
dignified and glorious entrance, her blondness in her black dress and
ruby necklace is startling. She is convincing in her distress but always
manages to keep her dignity and in the end she makes the final decision.
Nikael Froman is every inch the Emperor - towering over all like a
giant, and Simon Nadar as Antiochus is heartbreaking in his unrequited
love... The most important thing though, is Samuel Solomon's translation
of the Alexandrines of Racine into iambic pentameters - with perfect
rhyming throughout - and yet it sounds like totally natural speech.
Director Michael Friend should also be commended for an accomplished
production." ALINE WAITES Hampstead and Highgate Gazette 9th
October 2014INTIMATE
EXCHANGES - A PAGENT'''
with expertise and exceptional charm, both actors manage to carry off
all the complicated proceedures Ayckbourn has set up for them. The play
is an absolute treat and I believe there are even more versions of the
pagent waiting in the wings, with even more hilarious anecdotes about
the two couples. I hope that someday director Michael Friend and his
hugely talented actors will perform them for our delight ... Aline
Waites, Hampstead and Highgate Gazette 17th April 2014THE DARK LADY OF
THE SONNETS and OVERRULED by Bernard ShawTHERE'S
a sweet George Bernard Shaw double bill taking place in Hampstead right
now. The pairing at Pentameters Theatre comes without fancy set dressing
or props, instead designer John Dalton has painted a pretty English
garden directly to the wall. The Dark Lady of the Sonnets is a swift
30-minute ride pitching Shakespeare as a braggadocios but forgetful
self-declared king of words who woos Elizabeth I. Bethany
Blake is a striking queen, delivering each line with a regal sharpness
against Steven Bradleys laid back Bard. The pro­gramme
reveals that Shaw campaigned for a National Theatre and it is no
accident that Shakespeare in The Dark Lady repeatedly petitions the
Queen for such a theatre, one that will eschew his own crowd-pleasing filthy
pieces  namely Much Ado About Nothing and As You like It.
These references make the pairing with Overruled a nice touch from
director Michael Friend. First presented in 1912, Overruled was intended
by Shaw as a model to all future writers of farcical comedy
and follows the wife-swapping confusion of Shakespeares comedies.
Mrs Juno and Gregory Lunn have fallen madly in love but managed to avoid
discussing their respective spouses, who have also fallen for each
other. The tangled foursome spar like in the best screwball comedy and
Bradley couldnt keep his own enjoyment of the script from his
face. Shaws dialogue is a delight and while the context of
extramarital sex may not be as shocking, a small intimate theatre like
Pentameters is the ideal venue to enjoy such timeless fun.
THE CAMDEN NEW JOURNAL10 October, 2013 by AMY SMITHIMPROBABLE FICTION

Sarah Thorne Theatre Club, Broadstairs
"There were laughs all round at the Sarah Thorne Theatre Club in
Broadstairs for the third instalment of the theatre's summer repertory
season - Improbable Fiction. Alan Ayckbourn's comedy w as told superbly
by the esteemed players including Nick Fawcett as leading man Arnold,
Raymond Daniel-Davies, Chloe Lewis and rep regular Dot Smith. The play
tells the story of a group of aspiring writers who just can't finish
their works. Nick Fawcett was brilliant as the writers' group chairman,
Arnold. He balanced comedy with empathy as he tried to rein in the group
and allow everyone their own time to speak. Big laughs came in the
second act when events took a bizarre turn. When he found himself
immersed in a number of strange scenarios, Arnold began to question
himself and Nick portrayed this wonderfully. With so many scene changes
and different 'scripts' to learn, the cast were magnificent in
performing the fast-paced farce that was the second act. Raymond
Daniel-Davies was a joy to watch in the many guises he played including
a disgruntled former head teacher, an American sci-fi hero and an old
housemaster. Dot Smith is a seasoned rep artiste and never fails to
deliver. She has a wonderful stage presence, fast wit and a beautiful
method of storytelling. Chloe Lewis is always great to watch. She had a
sweet innocence about her as she played the role of Vivie and was
complemented by the exceptional talent of Lucas Livesey who made his
debut in Broadstairs. Lucas showcased what a fine emerging actor he
really is playing a variety of very different roles including the geeky
Clem, drunk scheming cousin and a dedicated detective. He was a real
treat for the audience and I look forward to seeing him in future
productions. Stunning Emma West showed her many strengths as an actress.
She was endearing as Grace and hilarious as a future alien-hunter.
Making her professional debut was Katie Burchett as the lovable Ilsa.
And what a debut to make. She was a real asset to the cast and gave a
strong, confident performance. Her on stage chemistry with Nick as
Arnold was very good and she portrayed each of her many faces with
emotion, control and conviction. For me this play had to be the
highlight of the summer rep to date. The artists are a credit to the
show's director, Michael Friend and co-producer Michael Wheatley-Ward.
It is so refreshing to see a top class production in the comforts of our
culturally rich town." Laura Archer, 'Thanet Gazette' 21 August,
2013 PUSS
IN BOOTS

"IT'S MAGIC, a festive family feast of fun, Puss In Boots is the
present underneath Hilderstone's Christmas Tree.Full of hilarious jokes,
romance and great songs, writer John Goodrum has excelled himself and
created a Christmas cracker the whole family can enjoy
Directed by Michael Friend and produced by Michael Wheatley-Ward, Puss
In Boots has all the trappings of a west end theatre show, at a fraction
of the ticket prices. Stephen Martin-Bradley shines like the star at the
top of the tree, as Cuddles the magical cat. Stephen is enchanting,
witty and engages superbly with the audience. Partnered with John
Goodrum, who stars as the Dame, Queen Gloria, Stephen proves himself to
be a fabulous actor, comedian and all round entertainer. Stephen was
clearly born to be on the stage. John is every bit the traditional Dame,
but with all the humour of a modern comedy star. All his jokes were
funny, not crude, and the innuendo was subtle without being dense. Emily
Holden takes up the principal role of Colin, the late miller's son, as
is a real treat to watch. Full of energy, Emily is enthusiastic without
being over the top. Alice Chater, a student at the Italia Conti Academy
is every bit the perfect Disney princess. She is a polished performer,
and her singing voice is stunning . Lisa Payne has her rhyming couplets
down to a tee, as the fantastic Fairy Lendahand, and Roger Smythe is the
perfect choice for the part of the evil ogre. The cast were complemented
by the talents of the Masque Theatre School, who must also be praised
for their hard work. This year no pantomime would be complete without an
interlude of Gangnam style, but for me there was one scene that
particularly stood out- the twelve days of Christmas. It was by far the
funniest thing I have seen all year, and is proof that traditional,
clean entertainment is still be. If you haven't seen a Michael Friend
and Michael Wheatley-Ward pantomime before, do it this year. You will
come away feeling like the cat who got the cream. Meow." LAURA
ARCHER This is Kent 18-12-2012AUTUMN MUSICPentameters Theatre, Hampstead

"No introduction is necessary for the audience at Pentameters as
to Autumn Music's setting in the mountains of central Italy. They are
immediately greeted by the inviting scent of an authentic Italian
kitchen within the superb set designed by John Dalton. This bittersweet
play was written by Italian-born Bernardo Stella and inspired by his
father's struggle in coming to terms with his unexpected widowhood.
Eugenio (played by the charming Chris Bearne) is the patriarch of a
traditionally large Italian family and determined not to be "left
on the shelf". Indeed, as he puts it, he has a few good years in
him yet. This is met with great disapproval from those around him, who seem to care more for their inheritance than his happiness. All,
that is, except for his hilarious friend and drinking partner Luigi
(Roger Sansom), who gives him the encouragement he needs. Soon Eugenio
is courting Isabella (Dot Smith), only to find his family has issues
with her family. Particularly her brother Francesco, played by Sansom
again but in even better form. Shots of grappa and fisticuffs follow to
great comic effect. Credit is due to the accompanying cast members:
Alberto Clack in several character roles; Linda Bardell as another,
albeit short-lived, suitor for Eugenio; and Zeynab Sandi, the youngest
of the cast, playing his headstrong daughter Roberta. This production
marks the 50th anniversary of the writer's restaurant La Gaffe in
Hampstead, so where better to present it than Pentameters - itself an
integral part of the community for over 30 years. Directed by Michael
Friend, Autumn Music is a wonderful and heart-warming comedy about
getting old and those second chances in life." CAVELLE LEIGH Camden
New Journal.25 October, 2012"69 And Still Going Strong" by Saul
Reichlin for remotegoat on 27/10/12 Bernardo Stella, one of Hampstead's
treasures, now retired from his Hampstead institution, the La Gaffe
restaurant, has returned this charming piece of theatre and his family
history to the menu of offerings on the fringe. And where better than at
that other institution, Leonie Scott-Matthews' enduring, intimate and
much loved Pentameters theatre, and with her at the helm. The young
bear, Bernardo, remembers his father's itchings at the terrible old age
of 69, for a life again, 18 months after becoming widowed. The shock
horror element (to his family and friends) of his lusting after a lady
from the next village, and the hostility of that village and the lady's
family are redolent of the public face of morality of the age, fuelled
by tradition and religious rules, but flouted when no-one was looking.
Wittily written, with Stella's infallible ear for the funny, but sometimes awkward truth, director Michael Friend
brings his impressive skills to this rich platter of ingredients,
providing a repast of highly enjoyable domestic comedy. The play zips
along with never a dull moment, and the richly appointed set is
beautifully designed and painted by John Dalton. The main thrust of the
story is excellently narrated/performed by the impressively versatile
Chris Bearne as Eugenio (bear senior) taking the audience into his
confidence and putting them at their ease, while his quandary grows by
the day, one might say. The wealth of experience by the cast enabled
some amusing doubling of characters and characterisations by Albert
Clack and Roger Sansom, but also the simple honesty of all the women in
this household. Dot Smith and Linda Bardell showed these redoubtable
ladies in true 'period' character, and Zeynep Sandi, as the loving but
possessive daughter, Roberta, was movingly loyal in her ambivalence to
her father's dalliance. All that was missing from the story was the
observant young bear himself, but in his place the audience was invited
to share the delicious Penne at interval, with the enticing smells of
its cooking just the thing for stirring up an Italian flavour for the
evening.

THE PRIMROSE PATH"This adaptation shows that
comedy of manners from 120 years ago can still draw laughs today ... has
the audience in stitches as the cast bring out Feydeau's ability to turn
the serious into the comic." EMILY WRIGHT Camden New Journal 26th
January 2012" 'Fanny's First Play' gave Shaw the longest
theatrical run of his career, in 1911. It resembles 'Pygmalion', in the
strength of its female lead and its culture-clash comedy and chimes with
current discussions about the origins of social unrest. Shaw used
caricature to ridicule what he called the 'dead-as-mutton' English
middle class of the time. It's particularly true of thin-lipped Mrs
Knox, played with restraint by Lesley-Anne Webb. Albert Clack is
memorable as the well-upholstered patriarch Knox, reduced to gibbering
idiocy at the idea of losing trade. Beverley Baxter is a delightfully
placatory Mrs Gilbey and Graham Dron is funny as 'mollycoddle' son
Bobby, newly aware of life's possibilities. Jonas Cemm is a perfectly
composed Juggins, the butler-with-a-secret. Fiona McGregor delivers a
tour-de-force performance, doubling as the eponymous high-born
playwright and the Cockney who captures Bobby's heart. I'd advise all
Shavians, and anyone else who likes a good play, to hurry to this
charming theatre, attached to the friendly Horseshoe pub in Hampstead."
Sheila Cornelius Remotegoat 1 - 9 - 11

GASLIGHT

This
play has already received thorough coverage and fulsome praise on its
out-of-town run, wholly deserved. Do read the notices. I just wanted to
add that "Gaslight" really does merit four stars and a jaunt
to Hampstead. Never dismiss a show as "taken out of the closet and
dusted off", "this old workhorse" or "showing its
age". There's a certain theatrical experience that is timeless. Get
into the space, feel the vibes, hate him, melt for her. Telly doesn't do
it, nor do the pictures, not in the same way. Call it the "look
behind you!" factor. "Gaslight" offers it in huge
measure, certainly with this cast in this venue. Design : the
Pentameters space is cunningly assimilated into the gloomy upstairs
lodgings of the Manninghams - Note : not the other way around. And the
technical demands of the play are admirably met. How the space contrived
to reek of burning coke even as we came in, I've no idea. You've no
choice but to enter this world , it's not a nice one, but there's no
leaving until there's a resolution. This is not high melodrama - the
play dates from the 1930s, after all - nor a whodunnit (who's doing what
to whom becames rapidly apparent). It's formulaic, I suppose, and there
are contrivances of plot that would be far too much of a stretch, were
it not that the immediacy of the psychological drama going on grabs you
by the throat and doesn't let go. Gripping, in short ... CHRIS BEARNE
Remotegoat 27/9/2010

WIDOWERS' HOUSES

"Michael Friend has revived an effective drama that entertains us
with serious and human issues. His talented group gave us strong
portrayals. Tim Hilbourne's Cokane was fussy and hectoring to Ben de
Halpert's baffled and troubled Dr Trench. Emily Holden was spoilt,
sensual and intelligent as Blanche. Her scenes with her maid (a feisty
Joanna Forest), rounded out dark sides of her character and gave us a
sidelight on the fears of the mistress - servant relationship. Chris
Bearne was a formidable and assured Sartorius, though like all of us in
thrall to his daughter. J.T. Eaton's Lickcheese made a superb transition
from pleading rent-collector to self-made property developer." Noel
Ensoll. Stage Corner
07/08/10

YOU NEVER CAN TELL
"Little gem of a show" Jonathan Evans Remotegoat 08/07/10

INTIMATE EXCHANGES
"Remarkably only two performers, Amanda Sterkenburg and Luke
Bennett, played all four characters. It must have been exhausting but
they made it look easy in a superbly paced and nicely balanced
production by Michael Friend." Helen WaddingtonThanet
Gazette28/6/10

ARMS AND THE MAN"...Michael Friend has cast brilliantly.
Emma Carroll plays Raina with a mixture of hauteur and girlish
naughtiness and Bluntschli is played by the very attractive James
Harwood who impresses with his air of world weariness and his cynical
intelligence. Lane Paul Stewart is a good contrast as the mustachioed
braggart, Sergius. The eccentric parents are well portrayed by Dot Smith
and Nick Fawcett. Fawcett in particular gives a memorable picture of the
blustering, confused military man and Dot Smith has the right blend of
charming snobbishness. One of the most important roles in the play is
that of Louka- Raina's acerbic and ambitious maid, who is set to marry a
millionaire if she can find one. She is pursued, but without much hope
by the lumpish servant Nicola played by Stuart Slavicky. This is a well
rounded production with good period costumes by Lindsay Michael Hill and
shabby genteel set by John Dalton. It is a really wonderful play -
showing much of Shaw's genius and wit very charming, very funny and very
well done." Aline Waites Remotegoat 19/2/10

"The production by Michael Friend is
perfectly cast ... An evening of extreme pleasure" Aline Waites The
Hampstead and Highgate Express 23/2/10

"Michael
Friends production is a delight. Lane Paul Stewart makes the less
than heroic Sergius a figure young peo­ple today could identi­fy
with in his relentless analysis of his failings. Emily Holden is a
seductive Louka, while Dot Smith and Nick Fawcett as Rainas
parents bring a touch of humour to their roles".
Emma Klein Camden New Journal 4/2/10MRS WARREN'S PROFESSION

"This was a fine and wonderful production of the classic Shaw
play Mrs Warrens Profession. Full of great farce and untold secrets - an
excellent cast kept us enthralled throughout this masterpiece. Special
praise goes to EMILY HOLDEN as the put upon daughter Vivie who knows
nothing of her Mothers profession but has had her suspicions since early
childhood. A special bond between Father and son (Raymond Daniel-Davies
and Max Davies) proved the highlight of the night with a very credible
old tart but rich tart performance from (Dot Smith) as the whoring
mother... Keith Myers a young Orson Wells lookie - likie gave a
controlled and beautifully underplayed Sir George Croft and the rest of
the cast were faultless throughout. A very warm welcome from our box
office lady come producer Leonie Scott- Mathews who put us all at ease
and warmed us up ready for some truly fine spoken dialogue and manners
to boot. A simple yet effective set from David Myerscough-Jones and
stunning costumes from Lindsay Hall. All in all a worthy and well
executed production: well worth seeing."Philip Herbert
remotegoat 27-5-2009

"... The two female leads are particularly strong in this
excellent production with Emily Holden outstanding as the daughter. Dot
Smith is convincing as a self-made woman, refusing to be ashamed of who
she is; her quiet dignity is moving ... In Ms Holden there is a talented
young actress who could grace any stage in the land." Camden New
Journal 21-5-2009"...(Emily) Holden is a powerful actress who manages to convey
the somewhat heartless character without any loss of sympathy. Dot Smith
plays the lower class Kitty Warren as a woman who is proud of her lowly
roots, the way she has fought to survive and the expensive education she
has been able to afford for her daughter. The scene between them as she
explains to her daughter why she entered this profession is deeply
moving and would give the play a happy ending were it not for further
revelations in Act two. ... Definately worth seeing." Aline Waites
for Watsonstage.com 14-5-2009

PREVIOUS PRODUCTIONS

2008 has
included :

The Importance of Being
Earnest by Oscar WildeCaught by the Tail by
Georges Feydeau

Review of Caught By The Tail "Hilarious ooh la la la!" by
aline waites for remotegoat on 13/04/08

CAUGHT BY THE TAIL at Pentameters Theatre Hampstead until 20/04/08

"Farce is extraordinary things happening to ordinary people"
and what is impressive about this production is that the characters are
totally honest and never play for laughs. As Fernand, Matt Hebden is
handsome and well cast, convincingly romancing both ladies and becoming
more and more distraught, as the deception begins to catch up with him.
Both the objects of his affection are very attractive and well
contrasted. The fiery and passionate Lucette is played by brunette,
Emily Holden and the sweet and innocent Vivienne who secretly longs to
marry a roue with a murky past is blonde Fiona McGregor.

Lesley-Anne Webb plays a Scottish maid who cannot understand the
language, so everything has to be repeated to her in a strong Glaswegian
accent. Raymond Daniel-Davies is dominant as the crazy foreigner General
Irrigua. The unfortunate Fontanet who cannot understand why everyone
smells a bad odour when he is around is Nicholas Evans and the pathetic
scapegoat Bouzin who takes the rap for every else's misfortunes is
played by J.T.Eaton.

The characters are without exception well played, very funny and well
directed by Michael Friend, who also produces. The 2007
SEASON included:

"Michael Friend skilfully directs (Ayckbourn's) black comedy
Game Plan...There were many times when the cast had to pause
their dialogue to allow the laughter to subside. This is always a sure
sign of a great performance from one and all. I don't always leave a
theatre wanting more but I certainly did on this occasion." RICHARD
SIROT

2005PRIVATE LIVESWAIT UNTIL DARKINTIMATE EXCHANGES"Michael Friend's
direction was slick and polished without being condescending. His cast
were a joy to behold as they ensured Coward's script lost none of its
original crispness."
"Good provincial theatre is a rarity these days, so when it comes
along it should be savoured."Richard Sirot, THANET EXTRA

ARMS AND THE MAN

"Liz Garland gives a top-notch performance as the lovelorn Raina
who must chose between the less than loyal Sergius - played by Callum
Coates- and her new love, Swiss soldier Bluntschli, portrayed in an
equally commanding performance here from James Harwood. Nick Fawcett
gives a fine performance too, as the ineffectual Major Petkoff ...
Michael Friend's production, which he also directs, is accessible and
spledidly staged and acted."THE STAGE

THE MISER

"Michael Friend's production ... boasts an extravagance of talent.
This Henry Fielding version of the Moliere classic is a joyous hoot
which rolls along at an engaging pace throughout. Terence Denville plays
the tight-fisted Lovegold as a bumbling fool with great panache ...
Abbey Norman with her down to earth Cockney tones is particularly
effective as Lappet the maid ... Callum Coates is a first-rate Frederick
... With so many deceits and subterfuges, it is sometimes confusing as
to who wants to marry who and why. But that is all part of the fun of
this well-presented classy little romp."THE STAGE

"Rich wit of stylish gem... Fielding displays
much of Moliere's deftness and elegance in his own style and is
beautifully captured in Michael Friend's stylish, well paced production
... a real sense of ensemble playing, and the fluency, polish and
skilfully moderated comedy was a pleasure, exposing the enduring quality
of good writing and the value of reviving the classics." SOMERSET
COUNTY GAZETTE

"With this production Friend has not so much revived Pygmalion,
he has restored it." TIMES EDUCATIONAL SUPPLEMENT

" the denouement is all the more effective for the
exemplary pacing of Michael Friend's production.. The same actors will
go Wilde from Thursday to Saturday, when staging another classic
comedy of English social manners, The Importance of Being Earnest.
On the evidence of Pygmalion, it should be another night of
champagne summer entertainment." YORK EVENING PRESS

"Intelligent, thought provoking, and very funny ...Particularly
impressive was Roger Ringrose as revolutionary,John Tanner, who loses
sight of his emotions whilst putting the world to rights. All the cast
were fine, including Elizabeth Jasicki as the manipulating Ann
Whitefield, Stephen Israel as the poetic brigand Mendoza, and Ciáran
Corsar as the omniscient - and whistling - chauffer Henry Straker. And
director Michael Friend has helmed the production with a steady hand".
EASTBOURNE HERALD

"A stylish adaptation of George Bernard Shaw's epic masterpiece
Man and Superman ... Littered with dry, witty, one-liners, many parts of
the play, penned in 1900, will ring true with today's audiences and made
the play a pleasure to watch ... Tanner, delightfully played by Roger
Ringrose ... Impressive performances were put in by all the cast,
including Andrew Wheaton as prudish Ramsden, Elizabeth Jasicki as
mischievous Ann, Genevieve Swallow as strong Violet, and Simon Jarrett
as inoffensive Octavius." WORTHING HERALD